Lex Med Blog

The Emergency department at Lexington Medical Center gets busy this time of year with people who hurt themselves with holiday-related injuries.

Our doctors see everything from ladder falls to cuts by glass ornaments and back sprains from lifting heavy things.

In this WLTX news report, Dr. Brenna Brucker, Emergency Medicine physician at our hospital, talks about what she sees the most and her advice for not hurting yourself.

Here are some of the most common injuries Dr. Brucker sees in our ER around this time of year:
~Falling off ladders while hanging decorations. Have someone hold a ladder from the ground whenever you are on one.
~Cuts from glass ornaments. The best bet is to keep them away from the bottom of the tree where pets or a child could knock them to the ground, shattering them.
~Outdoor deep fryer burns. Keep them away from enclosed spaces and wear safety goggles while working with them.
~Fire injuries. Fires are more common this time of year. Make sure your Christmas tree is well watered and does not have frayed lights. Also, don’t use indoor lights outside.
~Allergic reactions. There’s an increase in trips to the ER for people with nut allergies.
~Excess alcohol and salt. Consuming too much alcohol and salt is not good for people who have a bad heart. If you have chest pain, do not wait until the day after Christmas to go to the ER. Your family wants you to be healthy.

If you do come to the ER, Dr. Brucker advises to also bring a list of your medications.

Have a safe and Merry Christmas.

It’s a question parents face often during cold and flu season: when is your child too sick for school?

In this WLTX news story, Dr. Caroline Webber of Lexington Pediatric Practice, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice, breaks down what to look for when deciding if your student needs a day at home.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell. But according to Dr. Webber, there are a few key clues. Learn more by watching the video below.

Dr. Webber breaks down the most important factors to keep in mind.

Q: What are signs that your child needs to stay home from school?
A: Fever: a child with a fever should not go to school. A fever is defined as a temperature above 100.4 degrees. Also, keep your child at home if you feel they’re not well enough to participate in class or they would be distracting to others because of coughing or blowing their nose constantly. And, don’t send them to school if they’re in pain.

Q: What if you have a hard time telling if your child is sick?
A: You know your child the best. If they’re not obviously sick with a fever, vomiting or diarrhea, consider if they will be at their best at school.

Q: When can they go back?
A: Once your child is free of a fever for 24 hours, they would not be considered contagious. If they’re diagnosed with bacterial infection and taking antibiotics, they can go back to school 24 hours after they begin taking the antibiotics. They’re also considered well enough for school 24 hours after vomiting.

We’re pleased to present our 2019 Christmas commercial, “A Baby Changes Everything.” It focuses on a young couple — from their budding friendship as children to when they start a family of their own.

Having a baby changes everything in the most incredible ways. Marriages become families, houses become homes and our lives make room for new love. In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we hope this commercial reminds us to take our time and find wonder in the gift of children.

Our hospital has created its own Christmas commercials each year for more than a decade. To view them all and vote for your favorite, visit LexMedChristmas.com.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas.